Staff

Barbara Blakey

Staff Bio

Barbara Blakey

Director of Volunteers and Community Relations

Barb began with Dove in 1992 in the RSVP Program. Barb has a B.S. from Eastern Illinois University with a Park and Recreation Administration Degree and came to Decatur in 1980 to work at the Decatur Park District. Barb lives in Decatur with her husband Doug and son, Philip. Their son Adam and his wife Jade live out of state.

Teri Ducy

Staff Bio

Teri Ducy

Domestic Violence Program Director

Teri Ducy has been with Dove’s Domestic Violence Program since October 1990 and has been the Director since 1998. She received her Certification as an IL Certified Domestic Violence Professional in 2002. Teri was married to Bill for almost 25 years until cancer took him in March, 2010. She has 2 grown sons, Duane and Matt who are both married which gives her 2 wonderful daughter-in-laws. Teri also loves being a Grandma.

Darsonya Switzer

Staff Bio

Darsonya Switzer

Homeward Bound Program Director

Darsonya has been involved with the program and the Decatur-Macon County Homeless Council Continuum of Care for more than ten years. Her start began in 1999 as a Case Manager for the program. She currently serves as Chair and has served on several committees throughout her involvement with the Continuum. Her endeavors have allowed her to also worked for Heritage Behavioral Health Center, Decatur-Macon County Opportunities Corporation and Decatur Housing Authority; four of the Continuum of Care's Governing Board agencies. She has her Bachelor's degree in Psychology.

Tamara Wilcox

Staff Bio

Tamara Wilcox

Assistant Director

Tamara has been with Dove since 1998 serving in the finance department, the Finance Director and now as the Assistant Director. Married to Lynn Wilcox and resides in Blue Mound. Tammy is a member of Zion Chapel United Methodist Church.

BABES - Beginning Awareness Basic Education Studies

Sandy Laesch

Staff Bio

Sandy Laesch

Coordinator

My husband and I moved to the Decatur area in 1976 and have raised our family here. For the past 14 years I have worked in the social service field. I am excited to be the Coordinator of BABES, which is a positive, pro-active program, and benefit for the children in our community.

Community Services Program

Sattin Schreiner

Staff Bio

Sattin Schreiner

Community Engagement Coordinator

Sattin joined Dove, Inc. Community Services in June of 2018. As a recent Millikin Graduate, Sattin loves the Decatur community and is thrilled for the opportunity to become more involved! Sattin feels very grateful to work for such a positive and impactful organization.

Homeward Bound Program

Mary Miller

Staff Bio

Mary Miller

Administrative Assistant

Mary began at Dove in December of 2015. "I am returning to Decatur from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I previously spent 12 years at Heritage Behavior Health working as Administrative Specialist/Support Services. I am very excited that I joined an organization that plays a vital part in the community where the programs and services provided are extremely needed in understanding the needs amongst all people."

VACANT

Staff Bio

VACANT

Hilda Margerum

Staff Bio

Hilda Margerum

Client Services Coordinator

Hilda Margerum has been employed with Dove since 2002. Hilda was born and raised in Decatur attending District 61 Public School. Hilda lived in Grand Rapids Michigan from 1975-1998 where she attended Davenport Business College. Hilda is a mother of 3 adult children, 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Nicole Turner

Staff Bio

Nicole Turner

Life Skills and Employability Coordinator

Nicole began with Dove in June of 2013. "I am a mother of 3 wonderful children that keep me busy and motivated to do what I can for the community. I love to read, boxing, and running after my twins. I have a great man that keeps me laughing and is a good father to our children."

Denise Jones

Staff Bio

Denise Jones

Resident Specialist

Denise started with Dove in August of 2010 as the Resident Manger for the Macon Street Apartments, took the Re-entry Case Manager position in February of 2011 and is now a Homeless Case Manager. Denise has one child, Anay Hunt, who graduated from the University of Illinois and is working at Heritage Behavioral Health Center. Denise is a graduate of MacArthur High School and has also attended Parkland College.

Kendra Warnsley

Staff Bio

Kendra Warnsley

Daciena Simmons

Staff Bio

Daciena Simmons

Children's Specialist

Daciena began with Dove in the fall of 2017. "I am a mother of three and soon to be a first time grandmother. I am currently in school to receive my Bachelor Degree. I love sports, spending my time with my family, and helping others."

Stefanie Gardner

Dominique Warnsley

Staff Bio

Dominique Warnsley

Rev. Shane Hartman

Staff Bio

Rev. Shane Hartman

MAX Coordinator

My name is Rev. Shane Hartman. I am excited to be the coordinator for the MAX Program and for Warm Neighbors Cool Friends, at Dove. I am also a pastor at the Mechanicsburg Christian Church, in Mechanicsburg, Il. I am a proud Father of two wonderful kids, Brenden and Rhiannon. I love Decatur and I hope to make a positive impact upon this town.

RSVP Program

Charlie Gillaspie

Staff Bio

Charlie Gillaspie

RSVP Director

Charlie began with Dove in 2012 as the Homeward Bound Employment and Life Skills Educator before being selected as the newest Director for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in the fall of 2013. Charlie attended Millikin University and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership along with a separate Certification in Criminal Justice. Charlie served as the elected Project Manager for her senior Capstone Project helping the Illinois State Academy of Sciences earn more than $6000 to serve their mission. Charlie has a long volunteer history that has included serving as a Navy Ombudsman and an AARP Tax Preparer. Also, Charlie helps with the Volunteer Organizational League as Co-Chair supporting volunteer managers throughout Macon County. Charlie loves working for such a caring and dedicated organization.

Sandra Harmison

Staff Bio

Sandra Harmison

RSVP Program Assistant

Sandy Harmison is a Decatur area native. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and attended the University of Illinois at Springfield for post graduate work. She retired from Richland Community College but did not find retirement suited her very well. Sandy is excited about working for Dove and hopes her time here will help the organization meet its goals.

Deb Hoffman

Staff Bio

Deb Hoffman

RSVP Coordinator

Deborah came to Dove in the fall of 2017 as the DeWitt County RSVP Coordinator. Deb retired after 25 years from Warner Hospital and Health Services. During her tenure at the hospital Deb was instrumental part of Life Line and had partnered with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program with special projects. She found she was looking for a bit more to do in her community after retirement and was led to Dove, Inc. Deb is excited to be a part this strong organization helping people. Deb has two grown sons, two grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren that live in Australia.

Domestic Violence Program - Training Facilitators

Jared Bohland

Staff Bio

Jared Bohland

Client Services Coordinator

Jared Bohland has served with Dove’s Domestic Violence Program since 2016 as the Client Services Coordinator. Jared also serves as one of two contract trainers for our 44-Hour Domestic Violence Education & Volunteer Training. He was formerly with Dove’s homeless services program, Homeward Bound, since 2014. He has a BBA from Belmont University, and in addition to being 44-hour Domestic Violence trained, he completed his IL Certified Domestic Violence Professional Certification in 2016. He is a first cohort graduate of ICADV’s Leadership Academy. Jared serves heavily with the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, sitting as co-chair of the Leadership Development Committee, and also sitting on the Operations committee and Leadership Academy Graduates Subcommittee. He is involved with the Decatur-Macon County Homeless Council Continuum of Care attending meetings on behalf of the shelter, and is an active member of Set Free Macon County on behalf of Dove, Inc. to combat human trafficking. He is also an active leader for New Vision Urban Ministries sitting as a Deacon, is the creator/men’s minister of Man Up Men’s Ministry at New Vision Church, and is also the young adult minister with his wife of Ignite Young Adult Ministry. Jared and his wife Katie live here in Decatur with a passion for making this city a better place to live through their careers and their church.

Joyce Kirkland

Staff Bio

Joyce Kirkland

Sara Ganiere

Staff Bio

Sara Ganiere

Financial Specialist

Sara Ganiere began with Dove in February 2017 serving as Finance Specialist. She married her husband, Eric, in 2000 and they have three children, Blake, Cole and Paige. Sara enjoys spending time with her children and family and supporting them in their hobbies and interests. She also stays busy caring for their 2 dogs, 5 cats, 4 ducks, 2 parakeets, and 1 guinea pig. “I am excited to be part of such a wonderful and helpful organization!”

Dove Support Staff

Melissa Gillis

Staff Bio

Melissa Gillis

Dove Office Manager

Melissa started at Dove in February of 2018, starting in direct services and then moving over to the newly created Office Manager position. She has a bachelor’s degree from Millikin University in Human Services. "I am excited to be a part of such a great team and wonderful organization!"

Mary Kay Ellis

Staff Bio

Mary Kay Ellis

Receptionist

Mary Kay is the Receptionist at Dove, beginning in the fall of 2017. Mary Kay has been married 29+ years to her husband Bob and they have a son, Noah, who will graduate spring of 2018. "I love going to the beach and anywhere tropical and love to take trips with my Son and Husband on our Motorcycles. I love to cook and spend time with my family and am so grateful to be a part of an awesome team here at Dove."

Dane Reynolds

Staff Bio

Dane Reynolds

Vernell Robinson

Staff Bio

Vernell Robinson

Properties and Inspection Manager

Vernell Robinson began with Dove in August 2018 serving as Employability Specialist he in October 2018 he accepted the position of Properties and Inspection Manager. Vernell is a graduate of Lincoln College and he also attended Alabama State University where he played football. Vernell also coaches college basketball for Lincoln College. Vernell loves to watch sports, movies, read ,travel and spend time with his family. He is a diehard Chicago Bears and Bulls fan!!!. “I am excited to be part of such a wonderful and helpful organization!”